This garage was a total loss after catching fire Sunday evening. Photo by Pamela Cooke.

By Judy Reed

The Solon Township Fire Department was called to a garage fire on Sunday, July 30, at 6 p.m., on the corner of Grosvenor and Cedar Springs Avenue.

According to Solon Deputy Fire Chief Chris Paige, they responded to the scene along with Cedar Springs, Sand Lake, Kent City, and Algoma Fire Departments. Rockford Ambulance was also on scene.

Deputy Chief Paige said that the homeowner discovered the fire. When the fire department arrived on scene, the fire was already well involved. There was a small patch of grass that burned, but other than that, they were able to keep the fire from spreading. Two pickup trucks were lost in the fire—one in the garage and one outside of the garage.

The garage, which was a detached pole barn, was used by the homeowner for storage and as a workshop.

Paige said that the fire was still being investigated and that the cause had not yet been determined. “We do know that it was unintentional,” he said.

There were no injuries experienced during the fire. Paige said the garage was a total loss.

Fire crews at the scene of a house fire after an explosion on Lime Lake Dr on June 21. Photo by Cheryl Barrigear on WZZM13.com.

By Judy Reed

Neighbors called 9-1-1 after hearing an explosion on Wednesday evening, June 21, at 13386 Lime Lake Dr.

According to Solon Township’s Deputy Fire Chief Chris Paige, they were called out at 10:59 p.m. The first unit arrived on scene to see heavy smoke, with flames showing in the main floor of the home. The three occupants of the home were already out of the house.

“We had it out within about a half hour, but were on scene an addition 1-1/2 hours checking for hot spots,” said Paige.

Algoma, Kent City, and Sand Lake Fire Departments all assisted at the scene.

The Kent County Sheriff Department also responded to the scene. According to police, a 39-year-old resident told deputies that they were making marijuana wax prior to the explosion. The man suffered severe burns to his hands and feet, as well as cuts from glass, and was transported to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital.

The fire is still under investigation, and authorities have not yet released any more information.

Marijuana wax is also known as Honeycomb, Wax, Butter, and BHO (butane hash oil). It’s made from oils found in pot plants and has a higher concentration of THC than most marijuana products. Highly flammable butane gas is used to extract the THC from the marijuana leaf, and has resulted in home explosions, injuries, and deaths.

Lt. Chris Paige promoted to Deputy Chief

The above photo shows the promotion of Chris Paige to Deputy Chief as the 4 bugle collar brass is pinned on his uniform by his father, Mike Paige.

The Solon Township Fire Department held a badge pinning and service awards ceremony at a special meeting of the Solon Township Board on June 29.

“This ceremony was an opportunity to recognize the efforts of the 21 men and women of Solon Fire Department who serve the community with integrity and pride,” explained Chief Jeff Drake. “The Mission of SFD is to protect lives, property and the environment with courage, dedication and excellent service.”

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the promotion of Lt. Chris Paige to Deputy Chief. According to Chief Drake’s recommendation letter, Lt. Paige is a 20-year veteran of the fire service. He is a 10-year member of SFD, serving as Lieutenant for the last 5 years, and full time since January 2015. “Lt. Paige has shown leadership ability in his current position. He will consistently and routinely manage and implement the Incident Management System of an emergency scene efficiently. He is by far the single member who has demonstrated the desire, commitment, and dedication to help execute the success of SFD,” wrote Drake.

Seven new recruits also received their department badges at the ceremony: April Zachow, Matt Schievink, Don Cornell, Taylor Hunt, Zachary Grutter, Jessica Ingerson and Brian Stevens.

These badges were earned by successfully completing the Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council Fire Fighter I & II curriculum at the Plainfield Fire Department Academy from September 2015 to April 2016. The course included 268 hours of instruction and required a twice weekly attendance. “This group represents a dedicated and motivated group of individuals capable and prepared to serve the community in their public safety role with courage, dedication, and integrity,” commented Chief Drake.

Service Awards were given to (from L to R): Chris Paige 10 years, Doug Gabrielse 19 years, Dan Spangenberg, 10 years. Not Pictured: Bryan Russell 10 years, Casey Bennett 5 years, Craig Gunderson 5 years, Pastor Josh Putnam, 5 years.

Several members were recognized and received service awards for their time served at SFD. Chris Paige 10 years, Doug Gabrielse 19 years, Dan Spangenberg, 10 years, Bryan Russell 10 years, Casey Bennett 5 years, Craig Gunderson 5 years, and Pastor Josh Putnam, 5 years.

These members represent the veteran side of the department. “These members will fulfill the role as mentor and brother to the new recruits with knowledge and wisdom, and instill the FD tradition of service with integrity and pride,” said Chief Drake.

Firefighters responded to a fire last Wednesday evening. March 11, about 7:43 p.m. at 14625 Cedar Springs Avenue, Solon Township. The structure fire was a pole barn at the home of Brent Davenport, just north of the Red Flannel Tree farm.